Queen Camilla has taken on massive responsibility as her husband, King Charles, is receiving treatment for his can:ce:r. The two just celebrated their 19th wedding anniversary, and hopefully, they have many years left together. Though Queen Camilla has been a tremendous asset to the royal family, she has had some health issues, just like most of us.
Looking back on her life, it is safe to say that she has had her fair share of ups and downs.
Considering she’s 76 years of age, and her hectic schedule, it’s not strange that she has had some health issues. In the mean time, she has reportedly experienced some ala:rm:ing symptoms while on royal duty, and some have had worries about her.
The queen has been raising awareness about osteoporosis for years. She first became the president of the Royal Osteoporosis Society in 2001. Camilla made her first donation to it in 1997, and the reason why she is very dedicated to osteoporosis has to do with her family history.
According to the Mayo Clinic, osteoporosis “causes bones to become weak and brittle — so brittle that a fall or even mild stresses such as bending over or coughing can cause a break.” In addition, the site describes that osteoporosis-related breaks “most commonly occur in the hip, wrist, or spine.”
“Bone is living tissue that is constantly being broken down and replaced. Osteoporosis occurs when the creation of new bone doesn’t keep up with the loss of old bone,” it says.
Is Queen Camilla at risk of getting osteoporosis?
In 1994, Queen Camilla’s mother tragically passed away due to complications of osteoporosis. In the mean time, her grandmother also di:ed from the disease. In 2019, Camilla held a speech at the Royal Osteoporosis Society, speaking about it.
“It was 25 years ago that my mother died as a result of osteoporosis. In fact, she was exactly the same age that I am now. Then it was never discussed, rarely diagnosed, and always attributed to old people.”, Camilla revealed in a 2019 speech for the Royal Osteoporosis Society.
While the Queen is dedicated to finding a cure, the alarming fact is that she most likely could be having it – or is at the risk of having it – herself.
Per the Mayo Clinic, having a parent or other close relative with the condition increases the risk of having it yourself. In an interview with Express, David Wiener, a training and nutrition specialist at the AI-based fitness and lifestyle coaching app Freeletics, says Camilla is practicing both yoga and pilates, which are recommended exercises for her age group to avoid ‘muscular pain.’
“Camilla actually admitted how much of a big fan she is of Yoga and Pilates, which is what I would recommend people of that age to do,” Wiener said.
“As you get older, it comes to no surprise you should be doing less strenuous exercise as it could cause muscular pain and your bones become much more fragile.”
“Furthermore, Camilla and Charles are known to love to spend their time walking the dogs or walking in the countryside. Walking is one of the best exercises you can do, not only does it get your body moving but it also is gentle on your body,” he added.
“Outdoor walking is amazing for improving your fitness levels, burning fat, improving mental health, aiding sleep and getting your much-needed nature fix.”
“I think it’s very important as you get older to take exercise and stretch”
In 2017, Camilla spoke about her workout routine during a Singapore visit.
“It’s very good for you yoga, isn’t it? It’s very good for you as you get older, it makes you less stiff – good for your muscles,” she said. “It makes you much more supple. I think it’s very important as you get older to take exercise and stretch. I do a bit of yoga. A bit of yoga and a bit of Pilates.”
Though Camilla could be at risk of getting osteoporosis, she has reportedly dealt with other health issues.
According to reports, Camila has had problems with recurring sinusitis for many years. In 2021, per Express, a royal fan appeared to discover it during the annual Armistice Day festivities.
In 2012, she had to cancel several royal engagements because of sinusitis.
“The Duchess of Cornwall has developed sinusitis and a severe middle ear infection over the last few days, which means she will not be able to carry out her engagements in London this evening and tomorrow,” a spokesperson said.
Sinusitis might not mean you must visit the hospital, but Camilla has not been spared from hospital visits.
In 2007, for example, she had a hysterectomy. But it was nothing compared to what she had to endure in 2010.
In April 2010, Camilla had to be taken to the hospital in Aberdeen after fracturing her leg while out walking near the Balmoral. According to the Guardian, the then-duchess “took a tumble.”
Queen Camilla fell into hole in Scotland – saved by locals
“She was walking in slippery conditions in Scotland, and took a tumble and hurt her leg,” Camilla’s official spokesperson said.
“Today, following doctor’s advice, Her Royal Highness had an x-ray which showed a twisted fracture of the fibula. Consequently, Her Royal Highness is wearing a plaster cast and will be for six weeks. She has been advised not to put weight on her leg. Her Royal Highness has every intention of carrying out all planned engagements.”
The then-duchess had to use a wheelchair when she attended royal engagements for weeks afterward. But what really happened?
Later the same year, writer Bob Colacello wrote a piece in Vanity Fair, revealing that Camilla had been rescued by two women alone on the trail.
“When … asked her about breaking a leg in Scotland last fall, [Camilla] explained that she had fallen in a hole while walking the moors and was rescued by two very nice ladies.”
Camilla reportedly said, “They were so kind. They took me to a hospital and stayed with me the whole time — and not one word to the press! I was so grateful I sent each of them a case of champagne.”
The royal members have been having some very tough months to begin 2024. It’s soon been two years since Queen Elizabeth passed away, and the longtime monarch was mourned worldwide.
In Camilla’s case, she did not just go through an adamant time mentally as the queen passed away. Additionally, it was revealed that she went through a painful time physically.
Before Queen Elizabeth’s funeral, Charles and Camilla visited Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland on their UK tour.
As per The Telegraph, Camilla was said to have suffered from a broken toe, and after the tour in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, she retreated to her Wiltshire home of Raymill.
Camilla broke her toe and was in “quite a lot of pain”
The queen suffered from a broken toe before Queen Elizabeth’s passing – but the newspaper reported that she stayed strong and performed her duties despite being in pain.
“She is in quite a lot of pain but she is just getting on with it. It is unfortunate timing to say the least but she’s been an absolute trouper,” a source told The Telegraph.
A spokesman for the King said: “we won’t comment on medical conditions:”
If the duties were mostly about sitting down, maybe one wouldn’t be that impressed that Camilla continued her duties. However, her responsibilities included standing for long periods.
The intense period included Camilla standing in all official ceremonies and meeting people who gathered outside the palace. She did it all while dealing with injury – as she surely should be applauded for.
